User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 38
  2. Negative: 0 out of 38
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  1. Nov 20, 2010
    9
    Mesmerizing, intense, abrasive and deeply beautiful all at the time. You won't listen to any better this year, maybe one of the most important records in quite a few years.
  2. Oct 4, 2010
    7
    This is the freaking scariest album I have heard since Mars Volta released Deloused in the Comatorium. I don't think these guys get enough sleep. Unfortunately the composition of the songs is not as good as Deloused. While there does appear to be some excellent production at work, most listeners will be running for the hills (latest Disney artist release) before they hear the true meat ofThis is the freaking scariest album I have heard since Mars Volta released Deloused in the Comatorium. I don't think these guys get enough sleep. Unfortunately the composition of the songs is not as good as Deloused. While there does appear to be some excellent production at work, most listeners will be running for the hills (latest Disney artist release) before they hear the true meat of the songs. Irony and pent up anger are a hard subject to base an album on. I suppose if I was stewing on death row I might want this sound for comfort.... Collapse
  3. Sep 21, 2010
    10
    Swans are not dead! They are back with an epic and apocalyptic album that goes beyond anything that I've heard this year. The first track itself tires you out and you just can't expect it to get any better after that first track, but it does. Each song on this album carries on it's own nature to the album. Songs like "Jim" and "Eden Prison" are really addicting and catchy. My love for thisSwans are not dead! They are back with an epic and apocalyptic album that goes beyond anything that I've heard this year. The first track itself tires you out and you just can't expect it to get any better after that first track, but it does. Each song on this album carries on it's own nature to the album. Songs like "Jim" and "Eden Prison" are really addicting and catchy. My love for this album goes beyond anything I could possibly say on this box. It's just that good. Expand

Awards & Rankings

Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Kerrang!
    Oct 25, 2010
    60
    It's an album that draws on blues and gospel alongside atmospheric art-rock to end up somewhere intriguing, unnerving and frequently overwhelming. [16 Oct 2010, p.52]
  2. Make no mistake, Gira has his mojo back and Swans are very much alive.
  3. 80
    Recognizable shapes of jazz and post-rock often accompany Gira's baritone croon, but they're always delivered between passages of fastidiously crafted clamor that's as cauterizing as ever.